Concurrent onion poisoning and haematuria in a dog

Authors: Ellison RS, Smith CH
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 34, Issue 5, pp 77-78, May 1986
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: Companion animal, Dog
Subject Terms: Toxicology, Poisoning - plant, Urinary system/urology
Article class: Correspondence

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Abstract: The presence of a regenerative anaemia in animals indicates excessive red blood cell (RBC) breakdown (i.e. haemolytic disease) or haemorrhage. We report on a case of regenerative anaemia in a dog that created a diagnostic challenge because it was associated with both an haemolytic disease and a seemingly unrelated episode of haemorrhage. Haematuria associated with relapsing inflammation of the urogenital tract was present with, concurrently, haemolytic disease which was more acute and due to onion poisoning. On 20 September 1985, a five year old castrated male Yorkshire Terrier weighing 2.5kg was presented at the clinic with dysuria and red urine but otherwise clinically normal. A urinary tract infection was suspected and the dog was treated with amoxycillin and the clinical symptoms disappeared. On 21 October 1985, the dog was presented again at the clinic, having been brought in this time by the proprietor of the kennels at which the dog had been boarding for the past three weeks. The dog was lethargic, its coat dull, abdomen tense and very tender to palpate. A pneumocystogram showed an apparently normal bladder. Microscopic examination of the urinary sediment revealed…

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